Mr Sahim's brother also claims that: "When he left here to go to the hospital, his burns were not like that, only when they put the bandages on it, they became swollen like that and worse."

Health Ministry spokesman Shalvin Deo said last night the ministry would investigate.

"It's just an allegation at this stage, however, we will look into the matter more seriously and we will do our own investigation and unless and until the investigation is complete and a report submitted to headquarters, we cannot actually comment further on the matter," Mr Deo said.